3 Reds players who survived the trade deadline, but won't survive the season

For the first time in several seasons, the Cincinnati Reds didn't subtract from their roster at the MLB trade deadline. The Reds, who've been slowly building themselves into a contender over the past few years, were buyers rather than sellers, picking up the likes of Ke'Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell, and Miguel Andujar before the July 31 deadline passed.

But that doesn't necessarily mean that every player on the 40-man roster is still safe. Players can still be placed on outright and release waivers, and there's also a handful of prospects down in the minor leagues who are knocking on the door. The Reds may still need to clear some roster spots, and those players who survived the trade deadline may not survive for the rest of the season.

3 Reds players who survived the trade deadline, but won't survive the season

Ryan Vilade, Reds outfielder

The Reds acquired Ryan Vilade midway through the season, and though he received a brief stint in the big leagues, the 26-year-old failed to make the most of that opportunity. Between his time with the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, Vilade logged just one hit in 15 plate appearances.

Vilade's Minor League stats are much better. He's hitting .272/.367/.516 on the year, but during the month of July, he posted just a .246/.294/.541 slash line. The Reds have an abundance of outfield talent, and if Cincinnati hopes to promote one of Sal Stewart or Héctor Rodríguez to the big leagues later this year, they'll need to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.

Sam Benschoter, Reds pitcher

When you look at the Reds' bullpen depth chart, there are several pitchers who'll get the call before Cincinnati turns to Sam Benschoter. Yosver Zulueta, Connor Phillips, and Joe La Sorsa are more likely to receive a big-league promotion than Benschoter, and Cincinnati will inevitably be looking for a way to get Zach Maxwell to the majors at some point this season.

Cincinnati could cut Benschoter without fear of losing him to another organization. In 28 appearances at Triple-A this season, Benschoter is 7-3 with a 3.96 ERA. The right-hander is little more than a depth option for the organization, and is unlikely to survive on the 40-man roster throughout the season.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder

Some fans are sure to laugh at the notion of Christian Encarnacion-Strand being jettisoned before the season is up, but he's giving the Reds little reason to keep him around. Since being demoted back to the minor leagues, Encarnacion-Strand is hitting just .186/.238/.373 with a 55 wRC+. Those aren't the type of numbers that warrant a call-up. Instead, they may justify letting him go.

Encarnacion-Strand came to Cincinnati in 2022 and has shown flashes of prodigious power that makes scouts drool. But he also plays below-average defense, strikes out too much, and rarely draws a walk. In his 36 Major League games this season, Encarnacion-Strand owns a .208/.234/.377 slash line. It was mildly surprising that Cincinnati didn't package Encarnacion-Strand in a trade at the deadline, but perhaps they had no takers.

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